Memphis-area’s next cupcakery names its location

After moving to Memphis last year, Cathy Hayes, 56, is almost ready to open a Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery location in Bartlett. The location is set to be the region’s second Smallcakes, after a separate franchisee opened a Collierville location last year.

“It’s my understanding that [Bartlett] is a pretty good foodie town … and they’re ready for their own cupcake place,” Hayes said.

Hayes came across the cupcake chain while working in Rockwall, Texas, and she fell in love with their goods on her first visit.

Once she found out the cupcakery was a chain, Hayes called Jeff Martin, founder of a successful franchise. She was ready to quit her job at a large computer company and devote her time to cupcakes.

Now living in Somerville, Hayes’ first choice was to open a location in Collierville. But after finding out Tara Parker already had Smallcakes rights to the town and the 10-mile radius around it, Hayes looked to Bartlett to set up her bakery. She landed at 6600 Stage Road, in Gill Properties’ Stage Centre. The chain also has a location coming to Franklin, Tennessee.

“[This brand] has national recognition. … I think they’re going to be a great addition to Stage Centre and to Bartlett in general,” said Jennifer Stewart, who negotiated Hayes’ 1,460-square-foot lease for Gill.

Hayes said her store will look substantially different from Parker’s all-white-decor Collierville location, as she has opted to more heavily use the brand’s traditional colors — pink and brown.

Like in Collierville, cupcakes and ice cream will be the primary menu items. Eventually, though, Hayes said she plans to branch out into baking full-sized cakes.